Designed in alignment with 21st Century Learning principals, the team’s approach to this project centered upon the concept of collaboration, taking into consideration flexibility and identity to expand the learning environment beyond the walls. 

The new Lyons Mill Elementary School is laid out in a series of neighborhoods which provide an organizing structure and create communities of learners and teachers segmented by grade level. Joined together by a central commons, each community has access to flexible and adaptable space for individualized and group learning. Color selections, including interior and exterior finishes, were strategically chosen to provide a sense of identity for students that permeates throughout their learning experience. 

A consistent dialogue between the inside and out is created by expanses of glass and ample outdoor space offering multiple channels for learning. A light-filled media center leads to an outdoor reading garden and on the second floor, science comes to life through an outdoor classroom terrace with soil beds for planting. 

The school was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and includes recycled building materials with long life cycles, green roof, daylighting, geothermal heating and cooling, LED light fixtures, site generated solar power and water-efficient fixtures to name a few. The facility also includes shared space for the use of the local Department of Recreation and Parks.